Podolski excited by Euro 2012 return to Poland

The Arsenal striker admits playing in the country of his birth will make this summer extra special as he sets his sights on ending Germany's 16-year trophy drought

Lukas Podolski has confessed to Arsenal Player that Euro 2012 will hold extra significance for him as he prepares to return to Poland.

The 27-year-old was born in the industrial town of Gliwice, located 15 miles away from Katowice, before moving to Germany when he was only two.

He's since gone on to win 96 caps for the national side, scoring 43 goals in the process, and become one of the first names on Head Coach Joachim Low's teamsheet.

Podolski, who recently joined for Arsenal from Bundesliga side FC Köln, admits that playing in Poland has given him an extra shot of confidence going into the tournament and believes it could work to Germany's advantage.

“Tournaments are always something special to me. They are very attractive, just like the matches, the stadiums and the atmosphere," he told Arsenal Player.

“I think I played well in the last couple of tournaments and contributed towards the results. I want to do exactly the same now in Poland and Ukraine.

“[I have even more confidence] because Euro 2012 is staged in Poland, the place of my birth.

“Our first three matches are in Ukraine, but if we finish first in our group then the quarter-final will be staged in Poland.”

Germany last tasted success in a major tournament 16 years ago after emerging victorious from Euro 96 and are being tipped as one of the favourites to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy this time around.